Southern Dzükou wildfire enters seventh day, largely contained as IAF Bambi bucket operations and ground surveillance continue efforts.
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KOHIMA — The wildfire in southern Dzükou entered its seventh day on Sunday, with the blaze largely contained as surveillance teams continued manual ground operations while the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out Bambi bucket sorties.
When Eastern Mirror visited Dzükou on Sunday, the fire had been largely brought under control, with trails of smoke visible in a few pockets. The fire near the helipad area was also contained, while the main Dzükou Valley remained untouched as of Sunday.
However, fresh fire was reported on Mt. Merata, while fire was also visible in areas surrounding Mt. Tempü.
Also read: Dzükou fire largely contained as operations enter sixth day
Briefing the media at the vehicle stop point, Deputy Commissioner Kohima, B Henok Buchem, said that surveillance teams comprising the district administration, SDO (Civil) Jakhama, Disaster Management Officer, Home Guards district commandant, SDRF, Southern Angami organisations, Forest department, Fire and Emergency Services, SDPO South and the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) have been engaged in firefighting efforts since day one.
He said more than 150 personnel were involved in operations on Sunday.
Buchem added that IAF helicopter Bambi bucket operations would continue on Monday, while surveillance teams would keep monitoring and assessing the situation daily.
Although damage has not been scientifically assessed, he said it is estimated that around one-third of the Dzükou area has been affected. The main Dzükou Valley remains untouched and is free from further fire hazards as of now, he added.
He also said that SAYO has issued various dos and don’ts for visitors, including mandatory engagement of guides and adherence to guidelines. However, instances of negligence by some tourists have led to such incidents, he said, appealing to visitors to act responsibly.
Buchem further said the government, in consultation with SAYO, is contemplating issuing a notification to formalise guidelines for maintaining and managing the Dzükou Valley.
SDO (Civil) Jakhama, Vineikho Tetso, said another team led by the officer-in-charge of Fire South had visited the Mt. Tempü side and reported visibility of fires behind the mountain. As it is humanly impossible to access and douse those fires manually, he said continuation of IAF helicopter Bambi bucket operations has been recommended.
As of Sunday, three Bambi bucket sorties were conducted.
SAYO president Zaseitsolie Beio said fire is unlikely on the eastern and valley sides, but remains visible on the southern side. With dew settling in the evening, he said the fire may subside further.
He said an investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of the fire, but no conclusion has been reached yet. “Unless the fire is completely doused, we will continue to monitor and remain vigilant,” he said.
He added that while damage is estimated at around one-third of the area, nearly two-thirds of the Dzükou Valley remains unaffected.
Awareness has been created among the 13 villages under SAYO to prevent wildfires. Anyone found responsible for causing a wildfire will be penalised according to the extent of damage, with a minimum fine of ₹5,000, which may increase, he said.
He said firefighting efforts are challenging due to the dense vegetation, rugged landscape and terrain. The dwarf bamboo in Dzükou is sturdy and difficult to penetrate, posing serious injury risks to personnel.
Despite this, the SDRF has taken up the challenge of manually dousing the fire for the past six days, he added.
Damage has largely been confined to dwarf bamboo, which regenerates quickly. He said new vegetation is expected to grow within a few months, while forest areas remain largely unaffected.
He appealed to trekkers to register themselves, follow guidelines and engage authorised guides for smooth management of Dzükou.